Want to ride a robotaxi? Here’s where that’s actually possible
China and the US are leading the game
Story byIoanna Lykiardopoulou
Ioanna is a writer at TNW. She covers the full spectrum of the European tech ecosystem, with a particular interest in startups, sustainabili(show all)Ioanna is a writer at TNW. She covers the full spectrum of the European tech ecosystem, with a particular interest in startups, sustainability, green tech, AI, and EU policy. With a background in the humanities, she has a soft spot for social impact-enabling technologies.
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The US
Phoenix, Arizona:Since 2020, Alphabet’s Waymo has been offering fully driverless services to the public in the Phoenix Metro area. You can use the accompanying app to hail theWaymo One robotaxiand pay for the ride.
San Francisco, California:Again Waymoterritory. The company has been giving free autonomous rides as part of its Trusted Tester program since last August. Nowit’s ready to remove safety drivers, although it hasn’t announced a specific date.
There’s also Cruise that’s debutingits robotaxi servicesin the area. The companyannouncedin January that it’s going to offer free rides in the city, and openeda public waitlistfor those who want to join.
Both companies need to obtain permits from the state to start collecting fares.
China
Beijing:Baidu’sApollo GoandPony.aihave both been operating autonomous ride-hailing services in China’s capital, in the Yizhuang zone. The companies are charging fares for the rides,having obtained a commercial licensein November 2021, making Beijing one of the two Chinese cities with commercial paid services.
Guangzhou:Here available robotaxis are operated by Baidu’s Apollo Go, Pony.ai, andWeRide.ai, which hascollaborated with government-owned Baijum Taxi Groupand, thus, has managed to charge passengers at Guangzhou’s taxi rate from the outset.
Shanghai:The city hosts various robotaxi services, including Apollo Go, Pony.ai., Alibaba-backedAutoX, and ride-hailing giantDidi. All these companies presently offer their rides for free.
Shenzhen:Didi began operating robotaxis in some areas of the cityin July 2020, followed by AutoXin January 2021, andDeeproute.aiin July, which has been deploying its vehiclesin the Futian district, close to its headquarters.
Wuhan:Deeproute and WeRide.ai are offering free rides in theirautonomous vehicles.
Chongqing, Changsha, and Cangzhou:Baidu’s Apollo Go is the only service available for now.
We will continue updating the article with the new emerging places and companies.
